In the bourbon industry, which is overflowing with colorful personalities, Bernie Lubbers is one among them who’s both naturally and professionally entertaining. Trust me, you don’t want to miss his gig as guest host of the “100+ Proof Bourbon Dinner” at Varanese on Thursday, July 28.

Known as the Whiskey Professor and the brand ambassador for Heaven Hill, his presentation is not only funny, it’s super educational. If school teachers could make all learning as fun as he does, dropout rates would plummet. (To their defense, Bernie gets to talk about booze while they have to teach biology.)

So here’s what’ll happen: The evening begins with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 7.

Throughout the meal Lubbers will talk about whiskeys, how they taste, the industry’s personalities and lots of history—fact and fiction—while guests taste cocktails and a flight of four spirits. Its interactive and it’s fun.

by steve coomes

Steve Coomes is a restaurant veteran turned award-winning food, spirits and travel writer. In his 25-year career, he has edited and written for multiple national trade and consumer publications including Nation's Restaurant News and Southern Living. He is a feature writer for Edible Louisville & The Bluegrass, Whisky Magazine, WhiskeyWash.com and The Bourbon Review. The author of two books, "Country Ham: A Southern Tradition of Hogs, Salt & Smoke," and the "Home Distiller's Guide to Spirits," he also serves as a ghostwriter for multiple clients.